TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ I

[avalonmods]

{ QUICK NAV } Premise ⚔️️ Rules ⚔️️ FAQ ⚔️️ Taken ⚔️️ Reserves ⚔️️ Apply ⚔️️ Locations ⚔️️ Bestiary A ⦿ Soaking in Your Arrival KERPLUNK, SPLASH! Regardless of what you were in the middle of, you and your familiar have been magically pulled into the world of Avalon just above the Bay's waters. After a brief plunge into the Bay, the rush of water filling your ears and soaking up into every creak and crevice of your body, you may need to cough to clear your airways when you rise above the surface. You'll definitely see other new arrivals plopping in. If you can't swim, a red-headed woman known only as the Lady of the Lake will drag you to the shore if she doesn't spot someone else near you helping so no one ends up drowning. She's a little busy casting directive magic to make sure everyone lands safely and playing lifeguard, so if anyone attempts to talk to her, she'll tell them to head up to the Rent-a-Ride. The shores themselves are littered with new arrivals complaining their way up a staircase carved into the walls of the White Cliffs. There is no railing, so be careful, but if you do fall, be prepared for a mysterious sand hand to reach out of the side of the cliffs to catch you. The hand will pat you atop the head twice before retreating back into the wall. This is the Cliff Beast; despite the name, he is quite friendly. B ⦿ The Caravan to Camelot Once everyone is wrangled up to the top of the White Cliffs, the handsome owner of the Rent-a-Ride, Archimedes, will distribute smart phones and a pair of earbuds to everyone before getting them settled in groups into modernized carriages pulled by horses and give them a basic explanation of why and how they've been brought to Avalon: The universe is frozen in time and your character has been brought here by a familiar that was able to bond with them. They'll have to learn magic to help save their own world from destruction, but first they've got to get them to Camelot. It is here that you have the first opportunity to decide who they will be in their new home. You'll have about an hour to wander around here, meet and greet, and pet the horses before it's time to go. These carriages use fae technology that combats weight, so your character will be able to get in regardless of whether they're light as a feather or weigh two tons. The carts have air conditioning when it's hot, heating when it's cold, and a mystical shield to protect from bugs. There is also a mini-bar that pops out of the console with nip bottles. Characters can use their smartphones to connect to Camelot's internet service, avalononline (AOL), to chat with other characters, watch dumb videos, learn about the world, contact Camelot Support (they'll answer any questions they can for you, from how to use a smart phone to where to find quests and resources to learn more about your magic). Be careful if you decide to use your phones while in the caravan-- if you don't use those earbuds and start forcing everyone to listen to your nonsense, Archimedes may make you walk. C ⦿ The Red Spring The journey from the White Cliffs to the City of Camelot is a long one, and the first evening you arrive you'll end up spending at the Red Spring, a booming resort town. Because of the volume of new arrivals and vacationers, inn rooms are assigned two-to-a-room. The rooms have two twin beds, a bathroom, a mini-fridge and microwave, and a TV equipped with a couple of entertaining video games and a few free movies. If you don't want to relax in the room, try taking a dip in the spring for another chance to meet your fellow travelers. The waters have restorative properties that help horses and travelers recover quickly when drunk. It is known to relieve stress, improve energy levels, and mildly accelerate healing. The springs are also home to a large training grounds just outside town limits, where there are teachers who will teach basic magic safety and help you discover what kind of magic you have together with other new arrivals. Try target practice, obstacle courses, meditation circles, and other ways to try to figure out just what you can do.. if you didn't already have an accidental discovery on the ride there. A ⦿ Get Fresh Upon arrival in Camelot travelers are ushered to a large set of wash rooms where they can clean up and make themselves presentable for the Welcome Feast. They are informed that once the feast concludes there will be an announcement on where they can seek lodging and how to begin their magic studies. B ⦿ Be Merry After they freshen up, travelers are led into the main dining hall. The decorations range from simplistic to a little more grandiose, it is likely everyone will find something familiar. A modern mash up with a medieval flair. The jester makes his rounds, perhaps he has a joke or two to tell, go ahead, give him a listen or perhaps volunteer to participate in one of the jester's shows, like knife-throwing or hypnotism. Within the crowd of staff there are mummers, a juggler, here and there dabbled through small troupes perform mini skits, perhaps they’ll perform a well known verse from a traveler’s world or tell a tale of fancy from this realm. C ⦿ Eat Well A banquet is prepared with food that while all “rustic” in appearance are usually a version of modern dishes ranging from basic roast chicken and veggies to Korean-Mexican fusion and French patisserie. The drinks are much the same; while served in old fashioned goblets, they are drinks modern travelers will be familiar with. Have a seat, meet a new neighbor, find a roommate, maybe a new or old friend? Talk to the person to your left, your right, across from you. Mingle, enjoy the food, the music, it shouldn’t be long before the information promised is provided. Till then take your fill and get to know your fellow travelers. You've been here a few days now and have gotten a chance to settle in, find a place to stay, and Camelot's citizens have decided that you've been here long enough to start living your life again. Well, your new life. A group of citizens have decided to give everyone their first quest. "Hear ye, hear ye!" a man in chain mail with a tablet with his statement typed up on it declares to a crowd from atop a pedestal. There are two other citizens around him with phones to post the video to AOL later to make sure the word gets heard ye all around. "Those with magic, we beseech thee! Findeth us a grail most holy hidden in the depths of the Brocéliande! This holy grail is known to grant thine wishes three, a most noble quest for noble souls! Great reward will come to those who find it and proclaim at least one of their wishes to find the great Excalibur for King Arthur!" This is the first you've heard about King Arthur, and it seems curious that he hasn't yet shown his face around town. It also seems strange that this guy is speaking like he's stepped out of a bad period piece, and probably should be the clue that this is more or less an attempt to haze some of the newcomers by sending them into the forest... but no one is telling newcomers this. It's better to get them out there and start praciticing, after all. A ⦿ Lost, and Lost, and Lost Again The Brocéliande is well-known around Camelot for being a forest that's both bountiful and mysterious. Oddities are known to happen that may never happen again to the point that even if something weird happens and you can't prove it, most citizens will assume you're telling the truth. Which is what makes it peculiar when you keep passing the exact same locations over and over again, as if you've been traveling in circles or reaching the end of the map in a video game and coming out the other end. You're stuck in a space loop. The only way out is to successfully find the one difference in each loop five times in a row and collect it. Maybe it's a strange frog, a crystal that wasn't there before, a small wooden step that doesn't lead anywhere, or some other singular item, you've got to find what stands out... pick the wrong item, and you'll have to start your five count over again, and again, and again... B ⦿ Grail, and Grail, and Grail Again!? If you either missed the space loop or managed to get out of it, eventually you'll come to find one of... quite a few copies of a grail with holes in the side placed throughout the forest. They look like they might be good for draining noodles, but that's about it. Though they're spread out, it's entirely possible you'll find more than one, but each of them are placed in situations where it's impossible to get to by normal means. You'll have to use magic! It may be hidden in a bird's nest at the top of the tallest tree, inside of a hole in a rock with bars that prevent you from reaching in (perhaps an animal friend could reach it), inside a boiling pond, or inside the body of a bear fir... there are a load of possibilities, and now's a chance for you to try out your brand new magics! Use one of those samples, find something from the bestiary, or come up with your own adventure to get your hands on that less-than-holy grail. C ⦿ A Quest Completeish Or it would be, if you could ever find the guy who announced it... The AOL posts have since been deleted. You may end up spending a lot of time trying to find the guy. At this point, citizens will start telling you that you shouldn't take quests unless they're on the quest board or else you're going to get scammed... that's definitely an olden times themed noodle strainer. If that doesn't make you give up, or perhaps motivates you to find the guy to kick his ass, you'll have to head out to the farmland and chase them through a cornfield. (Be careful not to get lost, it's a maize in there.) If one of the boys are caught, they'll explain they were just testing you-- and hey, you got a free addition to your kitchen! If pressed, they'll apologize and give you a bit of money for your trouble. It's not much, but it'll get you at least a meal.

MOD NOTES:
• All test drive prompts are open to anyone in the game at any time to create your own logs with, but this post should have top-levels by potential new characters only. Current characters may reply to any threads, but should not top-level comment on this post. This is the first one, ignore this note today!
• If your application is accepted, you may accept TDM threads as game canon as long as both players consent. Characters may begin threading as soon as their journal is accepted to the communities.
• For the first month only, there will not be a quest board. Starting in December, quests will be posted on the 1st of each month for current players. After that point, quests may be used as TDM prompts in addition to the presented TDM prompts. A link will be provided as a bonus prompt option at the end of the post.
• The first "Arrival" prompts are present on every TDM. All other prompts will change monthly.
• Questions about this TDM's content? Comment here! If you have a question about the game at-large, please head over to the FAQ.

Comments

[cess]

It's confirmation that his father had kept the truth from him; that hurts a little bit, the fact that this was a secret overriding the fact that Noctis knows no parent would want to tell their child they were destined to die. Noctis' own expression is a mix of that hurt and the fact that he's still relieved his father is here. His breadth of forgiveness is apparently much larger for that.

After a moment, he sighs. In that moment he resembles his father much more than he intends to, before he squares his shoulders.

"There's not much I can do. Ardyn will destroy the world if I don't fulfill the prophecy. As much as I don't want to die - I won't live when it'll cost my friends and everyone else their lives. For the time being I'll help here, and then go home to finish it."

[lucere]

A sense of dread washes over Regis as his son speaks. Despite coming to terms with the prophecy, Regis cannot help but feel his heart clench at the thought of his son dying. He doesn't want such a miserable end for Noctis but at the same time, he cannot deny the will of the gods. If there been any other way to ensure Eos' future, Regis would've done it by now. That much is true. However, there was nothing else other than to face Fate with his head held high. Still, a part of him cannot help but feel a bit betrayed by the very same deities that blessed their ancient line.

"Spoken like a king." Regis states with a tense sigh as he places his hand upon the boy's shoulder. "I'm proud of you, Noctis. Never forget that." He cannot help but smile somewhat despite it all. Noctis grew to become a fine young man. While Regis will forever think of himself as a terrible father, he's grateful that his son grew to become this courageous.

"I do not know what fate awaits us here but either way, we must walk tall."

[cess]

The bitterness is easy to push aside for the moment. His father is here, in front of him; a second chance he never thought he'd have, despite wanting it desperately back home. He tilts his head up, a sad smile on his face as he looks up at his father.

"Thanks. I'm proud of you too, you know." Maybe not happy with him, at the moment, but he knows his father had difficult decisions to make - decisions that make more sense in retrospect. Had he not sent Noctis away, there would have been no way to stop the Starscourge; of course his father chose him, now.

"I think it'll be easier, with both of us here. And hey, maybe their King will be willing to talk with us."

[lucere]

Regis arches his brow at that previous comment but he can't help but smile nonetheless. "I never thought I would hear such praise from you." He teases in hopes of lightening the mood. There's been enough doom and gloom between them. When the time comes, Regis is confident that Noctis will save their dying star. Until then, Regis is going to retire from politics for the time being and focus on just being a father for a change.

Or so he thinks. Regis is still a king despite no longer having a kingdom to preside over. There's no changing that. Sooner than later, Regis will find himself embroiled in the conflicts of this world but hopefully, that will be sooner than later.

"Perhaps." Regis says in agreements. "I certainly would love to speak with the ruler of this realm in hopes of shedding some light upon this mystery." He all but grumbles before gesturing for them to sit while the jester continues with the performance. Regis is not one to approve of such buffoonery but at least they have some decent food to eat.

"If I may ask---" He turns to his son again. "Have you meet with others here?"

[cess]

Noctis gives his father a teasing grin - clearly enjoying being the one to tell his father that, instead of the other way around. He wouldn't blame his dad for leaving the politicking to him, here. Ignis would certainly be proud to see Noctis make use of his court skills yet again.

He moves to sit next to his father, eyeing the spread of food. When his father asks who else he's run into, he falls silent for a moment. He's yet to run into Cor or Ignis yet, but two other very important people he has.

"Yeah, I ran into Prompto at the caravans," he says, and then turns to look at his dad. He realizes that his father won't know what a big deal this is, which means dragging the painful knowledge back out for all to see.

"I ran into Lunafreya, too," he says softly, and one of his hands curls up, to hide the slight shake of his fingers. "Which... she died in Altissia. Protecting me." Like you did. "But she's here, like you are."

[lucere]

It's little moments like these that remind Regis that Noctis is no longer a child but a man grown. He has no doubt in his mind that Noctis would've made a good king. If only he had the chance. Regis would've longed passed the crown unto Noctis if fate had allowed it. That much is certain given how much he loves his son.

"Prompto?" He arches his brow once Noctis mentions his friend. A smirk settles upon his lips briefly as he thinks of the chirpy blond. "Of course, I should've known Prompto would've followed you here somehow," Regis says with a hint of amusement in his tone. "You two were nearly inseparable in the past."

Sadly, his smile soon fades the second that Noctis mentions Lunafreya. He squares his jaw and tightens his fists as if waiting for an incoming strike. Just the mere mention of the Oracle's name brings guilt. He never forgave himself for losing her upon that fateful day. Not a day passed since he thought about the poor girl, his mind stuck upon the memory of her fretful gaze. It should come as no surprise that he blames himself for losing not only her but also all of Tenebrae as well. After all, the Empire was hunting him.

"I'm sorry, Noctis." He whispers. While he's enthused at the chance of seeing Lunafreya again, Regis cannot help but look torn.

[cess]

Noctis is a little sad Prompto isn't here to see the king - but he's also glad he gets this time with his father, first. Prompto and he had agreed that splitting up to gather information from different people was probably best, and they had each other's contact information on the new phones they'd been provided.

He watches his father carefully. He knows his father has a lot of guilt over leaving Lunafreya behind. That sometimes he wishes he'd scooped her up anyways despite her insistence and taken her to Insomnia. He's not sure what would have changed, but his father thinks it might have made a difference.

Or maybe it wouldn't have; maybe the empire would have come knocking at their doors much earlier than they thought.

The apology, though, has him closing his eyes and exhaling sharply. "She... wasn't the only one, who gave something up to protect me." It hurts, to think of the scars on Ignis' face. "But she was the one who gave her life to keep me alive. And I feel... guilty."

[lucere]

"You shouldn't," Regis whispers after a moment of thought. "It was her choice to make, wasn't it?" He asks with a touch of melancholy within his tone despite trying to smile.

"She wanted to protect you, much like I wanted to protect you." He reaches over to grab Noctis's hand, giving it a comforting squeeze as he says the following.

"Don't feel guilty."

[cess]

"Easier said than done," Noctis mutters to himself, but he doesn't pull away from the hand over his own. Instead, he turns his hand up, gripping his father's hand in return.

"I know it was a choice, but it's one none of you should have had to make," he points out, a little bitter about it, before he sighs. "But you're both here now, so I want to make the most of it."

[lucere]

As much as Regis wants to comfort his son, he knows there's no denying the truth behind Noctis' words. None of them should've been forced to make such life or death decisions. They were dealt an unfair hand by the deities above, forced into roles they did not want. While they could sit here and lament over what transpired, Regis is more interested in looking towards the future. This might be the last time he'll be reunited with Noctis, so he means to make the best of it while he can.

"Does that mean we're going fishing soon?" He asks with a grin. "If so, I certainly wouldn't mind but let us find out bearings first." Regis reaches over to pat Noctis on the head only to pause once he notices something green and foxlike staring at him.

"Oh, what is...that?" He questions once he notices the green furred familiar. "It seems you have a friend, Noct."

[cess]

Noctis laughs, the area around them a little lighter for it. Of course his father would think of Noctis' favorite past time. There was plenty of water that had to hold fishes, after all - but Noctis agrees they should get their bearings first.

Before he can agree, though, his father questions his 'friend', and Noctis looks down at Carbuncle, sitting in his lap now and staring up at his father. He's almost insulted his dad doesn't recognize it, but instead he lets a smile come to his lips.

"Dad, this is Carbuncle," he teases, reaching behind the ears of the familiar. "Not the Messenger, but another one. They're my familiar here."

[lucere]

Regis couldn't help but look a bit sheepish. "I thought it looked familiar." He admits with a chuckle as the fox nuzzles its head against Noct's hand. "How could I forget--"

At the mention of familiars, a loud squawk gets Regis' attention. He turns towards the direction of the performance to see his dragon-like familiar currently nipping at the Jester's jingly hat. It seems that Quetzalcoatl shares in his dislike for this evening festivities but Regis cannot help but look somewhat mortified to see the unruly reptile assaulting the poor fool.

"Stop!" Regis gets up quickly to coral the feisty beast. While the familiar is roughly the size of a mere parrot at this point, this menace can still cause harm. "Enough, enough! Leave him be." Regis says with a chuckle as he holds out his arm towards the beast. The winged lizard obediently returns to him and perches itself upon his arm looking rather proud of itself.

[cess]

The sudden squawking makes Noctis jump, and Carbuncle jumps to his shoulder as well, tilting its head a little. When his dad gets up, he stays seated, waiting for his father to return with the creature on his arm.

He squints a little bit, realizing where he's seen it, and then gives his dad a flat look.

"Is that a Quetzalcoatl?"

That thing had been a huge pain in his ass when they had to fight it.

[lucere]

"I believe so." Regis states as he scratches under the wyvern's chin. "If so, it's rather tame." That's an understatement since the overgrown lizard is particularly purring at his touch. The winged-familiar then turn its sights over towards Noctis and lets out a threatening hiss. While it's not the same Quetzalcoatl that attacked Noctis and his friends, it's just as vicious. Thankfully, it seemed to be under Regis' control.

"Come now, behave." Regis chastizes the winged-lizard with a flick. "That's my son, you know." He lets out an annoyed huff as he returns to his seat with Quetzalcoatl upon his arm.

"I've always wanted a falcon when I was young but unfortunately, never got around to owning one." He explains while gazing at the blue wyvern.

[cess]

Noctis' entire being just radiates discomfort seeing his father basically coo over the miniature version of a dragon that had given his party quite the run around when they'd encountered it.

He just glares when it hisses at him. Trust his dad's familiar to hate him for some reason.

"There's a big difference between a falcon and a miniature thunder dragon." Even so, Carbuncle seems vaguely intrigued by this other familiar, stretching out its nose to sniff at it from Noctis' shoulder. For once, he kind of wants the little messenger not to have that curiosity.

"It does kind of fit that the King of Lucis ends up with a dragon, though," he smirks.

[lucere]

While the little dragon seems particularly irate towards Noctis, the familiar seems to be rather tame when Carbuncle sniffs it. Quetzalcoatl lets out a curious squawk as it extends its neck so it could properly sniff the other familiar. Regis cannot help but be somewhat amused with its antics, especially since Noctis looks particularly agitated now.

"Do you think so?" Regis questions with a grin as he gives his familiar another pat. "Well, I suppose it's a nod towards the warlike Caelum's of yore. While I don't share in their fondness for combat, I'm a Caelum nonetheless." He comments as the little thunder dragon curls around his shoulders once more. Quetzalcoatl is nearly as long as any serpent from head to the tail. The creature rests its head upon his shoulder, seemingly content in keeping watch for now.

"Though, I must confess that Carbuncle is much cuter than my thunder lizard." He states with a chuckle as he reaches out to pet the long-eared fox.

"It suits you, Noctis."

[cess]

He smiles slightly, wanting to tell his father that Carbuncle has always been there to protect him in his dreams. When he'd been in a coma, it had been Carbuncle who'd lead him out of the maze of his own mind.

Instead, he just laughs as Carbuncle bumps its head up to into Regis' hands, ears twitching under his fingers.

"I mean, you did give me the charm when I was sick. Makes sense that one of them would come with me here, right?" he points out with a grin. "Just watch out; that thunder lizard will start spitting balls of thunder at people it doesn't like."

After a moment of consideration, Noctis speaks up. "I'm thinking maybe I'll try to help people here learn how to fight. I'm not a master like Gladio and Ignis - but that kind of makes me perfect, right? I can be like, the starter instructor."

[lucere]

While it's been some years, Regis remembers every agonizing moment that he spent by Noctis' beside. It was a nightmare, an absolute nightmare. When news of the attack reached the Citadel, Regis acted quickly to meet with the royal caravan on the outskirts of Lucis. There he slew the Marilith, the Empire's latest diabolical creation, only to find his dear son gravely injured in a pool of blood. He was distraught during the whole ordeal. It was a nightmare for Regis, one that helped fuel his undying hatred for Niflheim. However, who would've guessed that a mere charm would've roused his injured son out of his long slumber. It was a miracle.

"It does make sense," Regis mutters as he affectionately scratches behind Carbuncle's ears. "I can think of no worthier companion for you." A chuckle escapes him once Noctis mentions Quetzalcoatl's penchant for mischief. The little dragon curled around his shoulders lets out a very audible huff. Regis could feel the slight sting of static but it doesn't hurt.

"I'm sure my new friend will come around sooner than later." He states as he gives the dragon a glance. The familiar gives him a slow blink before deciding to rest its eyes for now. It seems Quetzalcoatl wants no part of this conversation.

"You want to become a combat instructor?" Regis questions with a hint of surprise in his tone. "Goodness, Gladiolus is a miracle-worker! I never thought I would see the day that my dear son would take such an initiative." He teases before gently patting Noct on the shoulder.

"All jokes aside, I think this a worthwhile endeavor." As one would expect, Noctis has his father's full support.

[cess]

If there's something that Noctis never doubted, it is his father's love for him. But, at times, he's still been bitter at how his duties had to come before him from time to time. Meetings that took place ahead of spending time with Noctis, which lead to Noctis acting out without the words to articulate why.

At least he wasn't Gladio. Gladio threw fists as a child when he was upset... and bit people.

"As long as he doesn't try to bite me," Noctis says of the bird, grumping to himself about it. When his father calls it a worthwhile endeavor, though, he straightens up a bit under the pat to his shoulder.

"I think it'll be helpful for people who are new. Not everyone was trained like we were," he says.